How to Identify Liver Problems and Improve Liver Health

How to identify liver problems and improve liver health. Learn how healing a toxic liver could free you from excess weight, depression, skin problems and so much more.

Your liver Does More Than You Imagined

The liver is responsible for over 200 functions in the body and is the largest internal organ, weighing in at about 55oz (or 1.5 kg). Most people are unaware of how vital it is to good health. Some of the major functions of the liver are:

Cholesterol production (which is a good thing! Cholesterol, contrary to Western medicine’s believes, cholesterol necessary as it is the precursor for our steroid hormones, it manages our brain function, nerve function and hormone transportation)

medications; both recreational and prescription, including commonly-used ones like corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin

plastics (think: BPA, PFOA)

cookware like non-stick pans (think: PFOA)

stress

alcohol

coffee

We have several detoxification organs: skin, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract and, of course, the liver. They are all capable of freeing us from these toxins. The challenge is when the load is higher than what they can handle. This is when toxicity takes a toll on us.

What Are the Early Signs of Liver Problems?

Here are some common symptoms which may be related to sluggish liver detoxification and function:

We commonly hear about cirrhosis (permanent scarring) of the liver and the increase in liver disease in the Western world. We can identify liver damage with the right blood work and by testing for markers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT). The challenge is that by the time the time these tests are recommended, much of the liver damage has already been done.

It’s key to be educated to prevent damage before it happens. How often do you hear about the common symptoms which are associated with liver fatigue as a result of a toxic or stressful lifestyle? You certainly won’t be hearing about them from your doctor.

How Liver Detoxification Works – Phase One and Phase Two

Most of us know that our liver is responsible for processing alcohol, but the liver is also in charge of detoxifying all waste materials in the body. The liver detoxes waste from our environment (exogenous) and those that are made through everyday bodily processes (endogenous). If the liver is too overburdened to process all the waste, our blood remains high in toxic waste materials and our body is effectively fueled by waste. No wonder we start to feel unwell!

In Phase One of detoxification, called Oxidation, the liver uses oxygen and enzymes to burn toxins. This process makes the toxins more soluble in water so they can be more easily excreted from the body by the kidneys and the liver. Most environmental toxins are fat-soluble to start with, and therefore difficult or impossible to eliminate without the liver's help.The chemicals produced in Phase One can be more toxic than those which originally entered the body.

Phase One of liver detoxification is inhibited by nutritional deficiency, toxic exposure and medications such as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol), alcohol consumption, and low protein intake that deplete glutathione, which is needed for acetaminophen detoxification.

To free itself of toxins produced by Phase One detoxification, the liver performs a Phase Two called Conjugation. In Phase Two, oxidized chemicals are combined with sulfur, specific amino acids or organic acids, and then excreted in bile and urine.

Both phases are dependent on vital substances which are required to activate the catalyst for toxin conversion and they must work in balance so that no harmful toxins are left to circulate.

There are six pathways in Phase Two (Conjugation) Detoxification. Each pathway is responsible for converting a different set of substances (e.g. estrogen, thyroid hormones, heavy metals, histamine, phenol, salicylates, biliruben, nicotine, bacterial toxins, caffeine).

The six conjugation pathways are called:

Amino Acid Conjugation pathway

The Glutathione pathway

The Sulphation (sulfation) pathway

The Methylation pathway

The Glucoronidation pathway

The Acetylation pathway

Examples of Liver Detox Pathways

The methylation pathway detoxifies estrogen, dopamine, histamine and heavy metals (methyl groups) and allows them to pass through the liver and out of the body safely. To support this pathway we can increase our intake of choline (avocados/eggs/non-GM soy lecithin) and B vitamins.

The sulphation pathway detoxifies excess neurotransmitters, steroids, thyroid hormones, phenol and excess bile acids. This pathway is often burdened by frequent use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). We can support this pathway through an increase in high sulphur foods (e.g. egg yolk, broccoli, onion or MSM).

If Phase Two is not working effectively then the highly toxic chemicals formed in Phase One cannot be converted and excreted. This can cause a lot of toxicity issues in the body such as tissue damage or disease. It may also cause excess hormones to circulate through the bloodstream instead of being excreted. This can lead to hormonal imbalances which may affect the thyroid gland or our estrogen levels.

Healing Powers of the Liver and Diet

By detoxifying the body, giving it the right nutritional tools and avoiding nasty environmental toxins (which confuse and hinder the liver), we can literally regenerate this wonderful organ. Your liver’s functions may be restored to full health. Foods and herbs which support liver healing and detoxification can be used to make dramatic changes to symptoms associated with a sluggish liver and give long lasting healing effects.

In the upcoming Thyroid Detox (May 11-22, 2013), we will utilize and help you implement the full Liver Protocol that consists of:

Foods that support the Phase One and Phase Two detoxification

Natural sources of amino acids that support Phase Two Detoxification

Herbs that revive the liver

Lifestyle changes, like the right sauna, oil packs and lymphatic massage that help open up the pathways.

Once you feel the benefits of a functional and happy liver, you will never want to go back to your old ways. Learn to take advantage of the beauty and power of food and herbs to heal yourself. They are far more potent and safe than countless supplements and magic powders sold in the market.

About the Authors and Thyroid Detox Program

The authors of this article, Magdalena Wszelaki (thyroid nutrition coach) and Josie Lincoln (detox expert), are launching an information-packed video series and a guided Thyroid Detox program for people with thyroid conditions, autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalance where they continue exploring detox strategies and practical solutions beyond the ones included here.

To listen for FREE to the Thyroid Detox Video Series, go to Thyroid Diet Coach and discover how revitalizing your gut and liver the right way can improve your hormonal balance and make you feel energized, clear-minded, optimistic, inspired to heal further and lose some of that impossible weight.

Editor's note: I am an affiliate of the Thyroid Detox Program, so should you choose to purchase the program through my website, I do receive an affiliate payment. I think these ladies are doing good work helping people to help themselves. They have many completely free resources on their website in addition to the courses available for purchase.

Melanie, if you visit Thyroid Diet Coach, there are a number of free resources to get you started, but I haven’t looked through all of them. Their upcoming online course will cover the topic in detail.

hey there, i am 21 yrs old and i am a regular gym goer. i am taking protein supplements (whey and creatine). what food,fruits and juices should i take along with the supplements so my liver could not get shot or affected by them.

I know the best way to deal with issues related to liver disease is to build a proper diet combined with a healthy lifestyle. I searched on the internet to gain more information and knowledge about this problem. However, there is so much information streams that make me really confused. Fortunately, i saw this article from you, it is really helpful. Thank you very much!!